Question detail
What is the effect of beta decay on the atomic number of an atom? Use the detector reading context to keep Nuclear equations distinct from nearby atomic and nuclear radiation ideas.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Atoms and nuclear radiation
Question
- A. It decreases by 1 (nuclear equations 1)
- B. It remains unchanged (nuclear equations 1)
- C. It increases by 1 (nuclear equations 1)
- D. It decreases by 2 (nuclear equations 1)
Answer
The correct answer is It increases by 1 (nuclear equations 1).
Explanation
The correct answer is It increases by 1 (nuclear equations 1). It directly supports the learning objective: Explain that beta decay leaves mass number unchanged and increases atomic number by 1.. In Nuclear equations, this is the best option because it matches the specific detector reading context; the other options mix up nearby ideas such as activity, count rate, isotope notation, radiation type, or nuclear-equation changes.
Common mistake
Understanding Beta Decay
Students often think that beta decay changes the mass number of the atom.
Remember that beta decay leaves the mass number unchanged while increasing the atomic number by 1.
Related flashcards
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